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MasterBrand(MBC) - 2023 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
MBCMasterBrand(MBC)2023-08-12 19:47

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales in Q2 2023 were 695.1million,an18.8695.1 million, an 18.8% decline from 855.6 million in Q2 2022, aligning with expectations [24] - Adjusted EBITDA was flat year-over-year at 106.3millioncomparedto106.3 million compared to 106.8 million in Q2 2022, with adjusted EBITDA margin expanding by 281 basis points to 15.3% [8][29] - Free cash flow increased by 82% to 123.4millioninQ22023,upfromthepreviousyear[10][33]Netincomeroseto123.4 million in Q2 2023, up from the previous year [10][33] - Net income rose to 51.2 million, a 25.2% increase from 40.9millioninthesameperiodlastyear[28]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChangesThenewconstructionmarketshowedsequentialdemandincrease,benefitingfromapauseininterestratehikes,whiletherepairandremodelmarketexperiencedaslightdeclineinpointofsaleactivity[11][12]TheU.S.retailchannelwaslargelyinlinewithexpectations,butdealercustomersreportedconsumersbeingmorebudgetconsciousandseekingmultiplequotes[13][57]Canadianmarketperformancewasbelowexpectations,withanticipatedweaknesscontinuingintothesecondhalfof2023[14]MarketDataandKeyMetricsChangesThenewconstructionmarketistrendingbetter,whiletherepairandremodelmarketisexpectedtoremainsoftfortheremainderof2023[15][35]Thecompanynotedthatconsumerspendingisshiftingtowardsvacations,impactingremodelingprojectdecisions[56]CompanyStrategyandDevelopmentDirectionThecompanyisfocusedonstrategicinitiativessuchasAligntoGrow,LeadThroughLean,andTechEnabledtodriveoperationalexcellenceandfuturegrowth[10][15]Investmentsintechnologyandsupplychainoptimizationareexpectedtoenhanceefficiencyandsupportgrowthinitiatives[17][20]Thecompanyplanstoincreaseinvestmentspendingfor2023,raisingtheadjustedEBITDAoutlookto40.9 million in the same period last year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The new construction market showed sequential demand increase, benefiting from a pause in interest rate hikes, while the repair and remodel market experienced a slight decline in point-of-sale activity [11][12] - The U.S. retail channel was largely in line with expectations, but dealer customers reported consumers being more budget-conscious and seeking multiple quotes [13][57] - Canadian market performance was below expectations, with anticipated weakness continuing into the second half of 2023 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The new construction market is trending better, while the repair and remodel market is expected to remain soft for the remainder of 2023 [15][35] - The company noted that consumer spending is shifting towards vacations, impacting remodeling project decisions [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic initiatives such as Align to Grow, Lead Through Lean, and Tech Enabled to drive operational excellence and future growth [10][15] - Investments in technology and supply chain optimization are expected to enhance efficiency and support growth initiatives [17][20] - The company plans to increase investment spending for 2023, raising the adjusted EBITDA outlook to 345 million to 365million[36]ManagementsCommentsonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlookManagementexpressedconfidenceintheabilitytomaintainorexpandadjustedEBITDAmarginsyearoveryeardespiteasofterdemandenvironment[36]Thecompanyanticipatesmidteensyearoveryeardeclineinnetsalesforthesecondhalfof2023,withexpectationsofnormalseasonality[35]Managementhighlightedtheimportanceofpreparingforfuturegrowthduringthecurrentsofterdemandperiod[21][39]OtherImportantInformationThecompanypublisheditsinauguralenvironmental,social,andgovernance(ESG)reportandwasrecognizedasoneofAmericasSafestCompanies[22][23]Thecompanyhasinitiatedastockrepurchaseprogram,repurchasing404,858sharesatacostofapproximately365 million [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to maintain or expand adjusted EBITDA margins year-over-year despite a softer demand environment [36] - The company anticipates mid-teens year-over-year decline in net sales for the second half of 2023, with expectations of normal seasonality [35] - Management highlighted the importance of preparing for future growth during the current softer demand period [21][39] Other Important Information - The company published its inaugural environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report and was recognized as one of America's Safest Companies [22][23] - The company has initiated a stock repurchase program, repurchasing 404,858 shares at a cost of approximately 4.4 million [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of pricing in the back half of the year - Management indicated a return to a normal pricing environment without the need for price increases, utilizing a breadth of product offerings to meet customer needs [42][43] Question: Trade down impact on top line declines - Management acknowledged trade downs as a factor but stated it was in line with expectations and not materially impactful [45] Question: ERP system modernization - Management noted that there are about 5 to 6 more facilities that require modernization to improve data clarity and efficiency [46][47] Question: Margin walk for the second half of the year - Management highlighted expected revenue declines and increased investments, with historical patterns indicating lower profitability in the fourth quarter [52][54] Question: Changes in project size or cancellations - Management reported no significant cancellations but noted consumers are more selective and may be delaying projects [56][58] Question: Lag between housing starts and sales - Management indicated that the lag continues to decrease, with a normalized pace expected by the end of the year [61] Question: Input cost quantification and inventory flow - Management stated that material costs represent about 50% of cost of sales, with inventory costs aligning with new incoming inventory [63][66] Question: Growth relative to the market - Management believes growth will be on par with the market, with ongoing investments aimed at accelerating growth in 2024 [67][70]